I’m always on the hunt for the best documentaries to watch, so putting this list together was a no-brainer! There’s a ton out there these days, but some just can’t be beaten. Every documentary on this list is one that you’ve got to see for yourself!

They will change the way you look, think, act, and feel. These are definitely the best out there.

Happy watching!

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The True Cost

The True Cost came out of nowhere and totally changed the way I think about spending money on clothes.

This documentary isn’t about fashion though – it’s about sweat shops, fast fashion, clothing as a consumable product, and what ultimately happens to the clothes we get rid of.

And trust me, it’s shocking.

This is one of the most inspirational documentaries I’ve seen and will undoubtedly change your perspective in some way.

Forks over Knives

Of all the documentaries I’ve watched, none have been as impactful as Forks over Knives.

There are a lot of great ones that will inspire you to start a healthier lifestyle (a few are on this list), but this one is the best.

It is packed with so many facts you will find it hard to argue with.

It is also the only one that really examines the impact that dairy has on our bodies and lives.

The Staircase

If you have a taste for true crime documentaries, then The Staircase definitely needs to be the next documentary you watch.

The Staircase follows the high profile trial of Michael Peterson, charged with murdering his wife in the staircase of their home.

By providing not only an indepth look at the full trial, but also 2 follow-up episodes and an additional 3 final Netflix-produced episodes, The Staircase follows the Peterson family over an astonishing 15 year period.

This documentary is rare mix of a classic, a new release, and an absolute must-watch!

Becoming Warren Buffet

It chronicles the life of Warren Buffet, but does it in a way that makes you feel like you can be just as amazing as he is.

It is seriously inspirational. The whole time I was watching it, I found myself jotting down notes and ideas of things I wanted to do!

This is a must-see for everyone.

Wild Wild Country

Wild Wild Country is one of Netflix’s newest docuseries creations and it will keep you captivated from start to finish.

The documentary series tells the story of the Rajneeshpuram cult, who settled and created their own Utopian community in the wilderness of Oregon.

It isn’t long, however, before tensions rise with neighbors and instead of smoothing things over, an epic war is waged.

A town-take over, bombing, and mass poisoning are only a few of the events that unfold during this outlandish period.

In addition to the unbelievable story-line, Netflix manages to find dedicated cult members to help narrate this tale, which gives it a unique perspective that you often don’t find in these kind of films.

If you have a sweet spot for cult documentaries, you will love this one!

Tiny

Living small is becoming more and more trendy these days and Tiny shows you exactly why.

When done right, it’s a happier, calmer, and more fulfilling lifestyle.

What you probably won’t believe is how small “tiny” homes actually are – less than 500 sq. ft! But these homes are beautiful and high tech.

After this documentary, you’ll definitely be throwing out a lot of your junk!

Fed Up

Fed Up is really interesting (and disturbing) because it focuses on the effects the food industry has on the current generation of children.

You won’t believe the power that food companies have and the unbelievable amount of deceit they are able to get away with.

This documentary will break your heart and definitely change the way you eat.

Banking on BitCoin

Banking on BitCoin was such a huge, pleasant surprise! I didn’t really have much interest in BitCoin (at least before the documentary…), but was trying to find something my husband and I would both enjoy, so we gave it a shot.

Good thing we did because we both LOVED it! BitCoin is so much more than you really think, so this documentary delves into the world of banking, politics, and cyber-geekery.

This is definitely one of the best documentaries for anyone interested in business, finance, or politics.

The Secret

I know there will be quite a few skeptics with this one, but The Secret is definitely one of my all-time favorite documentaries and by far the one I’ve watched the most.

Nothing will motivate you to achieve your dreams more than this one.

The documentary focuses mainly on the power of attraction, but in a way that will turn you into a full-fledged believer.

After you’ve watched it once, you can just turn it on in the background when you need a good pick-me-up!

Im going to find some of these and watch. Especially the lift me up ones that are life changing. Id also recommend GameChangers on Netflix and i was one of the participants in the show Explained for Why Diets Fail

Great list!!! Would add “Inequality for All” by Robert Reich (may still be on US netflix – no longer on Canadian) explaining income inequality and it’s effects on society…complete eye opener for me and he’s able to take complex economic concepts and explain in plain English….a must see!

Hi Nikki, thanks for taking the time to share your list. I will definitely be watching the few that I have missed. I highly recommend ’13th’ on Netflix. It will definitely change the way you see the world! AND it was made by a woman , yay!

What the…???? Are you in my head or something? Or perhaps sneaking a peak at my Netflix account? I am SO twinsies with you on these. Starting right at number one (life changing! I totally cried) all the way down. I’ve also been really enjoying (can I say that?) Syrian conflict documentaries lately. Like White Helmets, and one whose name I can’t remember, but follows soldiers in the YRG who have travelled from around the world to fight extremist islam.

I will have to check out some of these. Black Fish was great and haunting all at the same time. Life Animated is also a wonderful documentary about an adult with Autism who gained his language primarily through watching Disney films.